Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My time in Scotland was adventurous and rewarding. Past Review

By (HISTORY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

Arcadia: St. Andrews - University of St Andrews

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad at St. Andrews is very worthwhile. Although it is in Scotland, there are many American students, so you do not feel to far away from home. Also, it is a very easy train ride from St. Andrews to Edinburgh or London and then to the rest of Europe. Being abroad, I learned what the European education system was like and how the students focus on one specific area of learning rather than a wide range like what occurs in America.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I signed up for a catered residence, but was placed in a hall where I had to cook for myself without any notice. However, it was a new hall with a private bathroom.

* Food:

I had to cook for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Exploring Edinburgh before traveling to St. Andrews
  • Having previous St. Andrews students running the program.
* What could be improved?
  • After arriving at St. Andrews, Arcadia was essentially done with the students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had planned what I wanted to see in Europe and the United Kingdom before my program, so I would have been able to see more.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.